Reigning champions Manchester City had a tricky test when they hosted West Ham United at the Etihad. The Hammers knocked the Citizens out of the League Cup a month ago, and the fixture this afternoon was crucial given Chelsea’s exquisite run of form across competitions. They had to secure all three points to keep pace with the Blues in the title race, and a dominant display ensured a 2-1 victory despite conceding late.
Below are the Manchester City players rated in their win against West Ham United.
Ederson: 7
Could have done little to stop Manuel Lanzini’s late strike but was alert between the sticks as he made a couple of timely saves to ensure the victory.
Kyle Walker: 7
Balanced his game between attack and defence. Kept on making overlapping runs from the right-hand flank and also made recoveries to help the backline against West Ham’s counter-attacks.
Ruben Dias: 7.5
Was spot on with his tackles and tactical fouls. Delivered another headstrong display from the heart of the defensive line. Did his best to play it out from the back with his passing variation.
Aymeric Laporte: 7.5
Was in the right place at the right time. Did well to partner Dias in central defence and hit the woodwork once in early minutes from a header.
Joao Cancelo: 8.5
Outstanding once again from the left. Posed persistent threat with his marauding runs, crosses and link-up play. Played his part in Gundogan’s opener, and his on-target attempts troubled the visitors on a number of occasions.
Ilkay Gundogan: 9
A persistent threat from the middle of the park with his smart one-twos, off the ball and late runs inside the West Ham box. Found the net just over the half-hour mark, set it up for Fernandinho to double the lead late in the match and his creative spark helped City dominate the midfield game all throughout the fixture.
Rodri: 7.5
Controlled the game centrally with his passing accuracy and vision. Won the duels, made frequent recoveries, whereas his challenges broke down the Irons’ moves while pushing for the equaliser.
Bernardo Silva: 7
Tested Lukasz Fabianski in West Ham goal and worked tirelessly to win back possession in the centre of the pitch. Carried the ball forward from the deep to operate high up the pitch.
Riyad Mahrez: 8
Instrumental from the right-hand flank as he set it up for Gundogan, who broke the deadlock. Also, hit the woodwork once from a close range when the ball fell favourably into his path.
Raheem Sterling: 6.5
Had a couple of attempts off target. Made some lively runs from the left-hand flank, but his finishing and decision making could have been a lot better. Made way for Fernandinho late in the match.
Gabriel Jesus: 7.5
Had an effort denied off the line by West Ham’s Ben Johnson. Linked up well upfront to engage the fellow attackers and his high work ethic added mobility in their free-flowing football.
Manchester City Substitutes Vs West Ham United
Fernandinho: 7
His late strike proved to be the decider. Also, his mistake led to Lanzini’s injury-time goal, which turned out to be a consolation for the visitors.
